Rescue. Sanctuary. Education.
Our Animals
Every resident at Red Riding Hood Rescue Project has a howl and a story worth telling. Our wolfdogs arrive here after difficult beginnings—often the result of human misunderstanding, neglect, or mistreatment, and a lack of awareness about the unique nature and needs of wolfdogs. At The Red, we work to turn those “fairy tails” into second chances, providing a permanent sanctuary where each resident can feel safe, receive specialized care, and simply be who they are meant to be.
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You can help us care for each of these incredible wolfdogs by sponsoring their care for a year.
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Anubis
DOB: February 28, 2020
Content: 46.9% Gray Wolf
Anubis is Spike’s beautiful, smaller brother. He is very shy and skittish but friendly through his fence. He is our little pocket wolf that is ‘protected contact only’ due to the lack of socialization he had as a puppy.
He came from a Northern Ohio rescue where he was living in a 5 x 5 welded box in a garage in an illegal city. Anubis is a great example of the importance of living in a legal area and knowing the proper husbandry requirements for wolfdogs. He has a remarkable talent for pooping either on his tree stump or in his food bucket.
Aspen
DOB: March 1, 2022
Content: 85.9% Gray Wolf
Aspen was rescued with pen mate Sage (and Apollo, below), as part of our "Three Amigos Rescue" in Spring of 2023 from a situation of extreme neglect. He is timid and very shy, but food motivated. He prefers the safety of his house when people are present but is quietly building relationships with our caretakers through enrichment activities. Aspen now plays - loves stuffies, chases butterflies and shows his childlike spirit.
Bear
DOB: April 8, 2020
Content: 95+% Gray Wolf
Bear is a miraculous being. He is a gentle boy who came as part of a court case in MN. His rescue was an example of team work between Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary, the Human Society of the US and the transport team at Safari North. He has been friendly with all of our staff members. This high content wolfdog is not just gentle and sweet, but calm and compliant.
Bear suffered the loss of his pen mate Charley (below), and grieved deeply. He has now bonded nicely and plays well with new girlfriend Dixie.
Bree
DOB: March 26, 2019
Content: 52.7% Gray Wolf
Bree and her siblings were part of a large rescue from a breeder in crisis. Bree and her litter mates were extremely under socialized and ended up being more work than some adopters could handle. After being returned to her rescue, she shined when paired with social male wolfdogs.
Bree isn't a fan of yard care in her habitat, but she's a great fan of body scritches! You can find her playing with pen mate 22 Wiley and see the joy.
Cipher
DOB: February 14, 2025
Content: 57.2% Gray Wolf
Cipher is one of our newest rescues. She is Spike's habitat partner. Cipher was facing euthanasia. Picked up by animal control with a horrendous mouth injury, her future looked grim. When everyone else said no, we said yes, but we were almost too late and euthanasia was minutes away. RRHRP said not today and animal control helped us transfer her to our care. Cipher was fostered until she was healed.
Once she was introduced to Spike and it was love at first sight. Cipher has brought the spirit back to the habitat with Spike now willingly play and interact. Love at 1st sight!
Dante
DOB: February 1, 2024
Content: 50% Gray Wolf
Dante is one of 3 urgent rescues saved from a horrific fur and urine farm in Ohio. He was so weak and atrophied that when the severe weather hit, he wasn’t expected to survive the evening. Dante spent 3 weeks recovering in an indoor quarantine pen to get healthy enough to go to our sanctuary.
Dante is curious and gentle, and forgiving. Though Dante doesn’t like touch, he also doesn’t like to be alone and will howl sorrowfully until a person sits with him. He has an incredibly beautiful howl and we are grateful that it wasn’t extinguished at the fur farm.
D'Artagnan
DOB: June 23, 2015
Content: 34% Gray Wolf
D'Artagnan aka Dart, came to sanctuary with his Aunt Tallah from an illegal state. He is the most outgoing of the pair and warms up to certain people. D'Artagnan's most distinguishing feature is his striking blue eyes, most likely from his husky genes.
Dart has a swagger to his trot, and is sure to win hearts over by leaning in for love and affection during snuggle time.
Diana
DOB: TBD 3-5 yrs old
Content: 95+% Gray Wolf
Diana came to The Red as an urgent request from the Butler County shelter. She and pen mate Moose were evicted and the ACO took them to Animal Sanctuary where one of our volunteers worked. After an urgent plea, and an urgent scramble to create another habitat, they were welcomed to our pack.
Diana has yet to meet a stranger. She loves belly scritches and howls with the best of the pack. She's full of joy, affection and has the most adorable bobtail. She's quickly proving what a wonderful girl she is!
Dixie
DOB: March 1, 2020
Content: 34% Gray Wolf
Dixie came to The Red through the wolfdog protection program (as in we can't share her back story). She was approximately 6 years old when she came to us. She became Bear's pen mate after the loss of his prior mate. She helped Bear heal his broken heart.
Dixie is a sweet girl, and has a heart of gold. She's playful and loves starting games of tag with pen mate Bear. Her confidence is growing and we can't wait to watch her blossom.
Finn
DOB: August 1, 2016
Content: 13.4% Gray Wolf
Finn came to The Red with Lava as a part of the same home rescue when their owner passed. He was underweight, but has since filled out nicely.
Finn is one of our walkable boys, and is getting first dibs at experiencing the new enrichment play yard. He also has the ability to bark at anything! Finn is housed by himself. He barks at anything and everything. If you visit and hear barking - it's Finn saying "Hello"!
Jackson
DOB: September 19. 2018
Content: 30.5% Gray Wolf
Jackson was transferred from another sanctuary that could not place him in a home due to state regulations. He is a perfect example of a pet quality wolfdog due to his love of new friends and new smells.
Jackson is a fan of all our visitors and you often will see us say on social media "they got Jackson'ed!". He loves to rub on our guests!
Luna
DOB: February 20, 2018
Content: 39.8% Gray Wolf
Luna was born in a shelter in Washington state after her mother was seized by animal control. She found a home, but was returned to her rescue when the adopter's life situation changed.
She's spunky, that loves people, loves scritches and yet has no idea of her size. When she's snuggled up against you, you see the smile in her eyes. She's a real sweetheart!
Mesa
DOB: September 27, 2016
Content: 26.8% Gray Wolf
Mesa came into rescue with her dad and aunt; she originally came from AE Kennels in Florida. She was adopted as a puppy but later returned to her rescue due to her owner relocating.
Many say Mesa is a camera hound. Mesa is bouncy, smart, and outgoing. She loves water, burying toys, and treats.
Moose
DOB: TBD Approx 3-5 yrs old
Content: TBD
Moose came to The Red as an urgent request from a local shelter. He and pen mate Diana were evicted and the ACO took them to Animal Friends Sanctuary where one of our volunteers worked. After an urgent plea, and an urgent scramble to create another habitat, they were welcomed to our pack.
Moose almost lived the sad reality of wolfdogs being euthanized just for being wolfdogs and unadoptable by shelters. With proper care and attention, he is becoming curious, and melts at the fence for the ladies of the Red.
Nova
DOB: January 6, 2021
Content: 59.5% Gray Wolf
Nova came from a back yard breeder in KY where she suffered severe neglect, only to be rescued by someone who, within a day, decided to have her euthanized. The person kept Nova in a hot metal box with no water, over one of the hottest weekends, until someone would rescue her. Nova's former name was Cherokee and her first 2 years of life were unspeakable.
She is still skittish, but her world is now filled with love and care. With plenty of treats, she is learning not all humans are scary.
Okami
DOB: March 27, 2025
Content: 95%
Okami is a rescue wolfdog, that came to us at only 6 weeks old. He was our youngest rescue to date, and one of the most unexpected stories. Okami means 'wolf' in Japanese.
Okami was sold at a swap meet in Indiana for a few hundred dollars and sold to a naive and unsuspecting owner. The owner contacted DNR who recommended euthanizing him. He was instead surrendered to us when they realized the overwhelming commitment required to own a wolfdog.
Okami is paired with Skye and has been the bridge to helping Skye live happily and with a mate that loves to play.
Remus
DOB: February 1, 2020
Content: 50% Canadian wolf, 50% GSD
Remus is the rare offspring of a wild pairing in Canada, where a male wolf got to an unaltered female German Shepherd. A 501c3 pulled him, with a foster lined up, thinking he was low content. That foster didn’t work out and Remus was long-term fostered until a facility could be found. Not only has this wonderful boy found his new home at The Red, but he has become a loving pen mate to Nova!
Sage
DOB: February 1, 2021
Content: High-content wolfdog %: TBD
Sage was rescued with Aspen (and Apollo), as part of our "Three Amigos Rescue" in Spring of 2023 from a situation of extreme neglect. She is very curious and brave. She's active in her enclosure and loves her toys.
We are still working to get an Embark test on Sage to determine her grey wolf content.
Skye
DOB: March 1, 2024
Content: 73% Gray Wolf
Our beautiful tri-colored Skye came to The Red along with her then pen mate Wisteria. Skye keeps her distance from caretakers that enter her enclosure but looks for breakfast to be tossed. Initially timid, we had a difficult time feeding her. She is now seeking out affection from select caretakers. Skye is lovely and curious, and with time, we hope to help her break free of her remaining fears.
Skye was paired with Okami when he was a puppy and he has helped bring her playful side out and we watch new joy in her spirit.
Skye’s name was given to her by her intake sponsor, Stephanie Marshall.
Solaris
DOB: March 1, 2017
Content: 27.5% Gray Wolf
Solaris had a rough start and came to The Red with sister Sassy. Sassy passed this year (bone cancer), and Solaris has been missing her. We hope to find a suitable friend for Solaris as wolfdogs are pack animals and usually thrive with companionship.
Solaris is an older boy, set in his ways, but we are now seeing some sweet moments, and needs our comforting love and scritches.
Spike
DOB: February 28, 2020
Content: 47.8% Gray Wolf
Spike is a beautiful boy that picks who he likes but he loves hard. He came from a rescue situation in Ohio where he wasn’t socialized, and he lived in a garage enclosure. Spike is very clearly happy in his new home at the Red and learning to trust a few select caretakers!
Spike is active, playful and is extremely intelligent. Spile enjoys leash walks around the property. He loves jumping in his pool and playing in the water. Now paired with Cipher, he is truly blossoming at The Red.
Tallah
DOB: August 17, 2014
Content: 34.5% Gray Wolf
Tallah and her relatives (Bree and D'Artagnan) were sent to The Red for sanctuary as they were living in an illegal state. She is shy yet curious and will overcome any reservations for the right treat. She is an excellent den digger and sometimes builds extra rooms for her nephew (and pen mate), D'Artagnan.
Tallah may be the oldest of our residents, but she is often seen jumping off the highest sides of her dog house, racing to beat Dart to a treat. Tallah enjoys leash walks on the property and adores rolling in nasty smelly things. Tallah says life is good at The Red!
Tilly
DOB: March 26, 2019
Content: 55.1% Gray Wolf
Tilly and her litter mate Bree came into rescue through an abuse/neglect investigation. She was adopted but came back to rescue due to an owner's change in living circumstances. Tilly is shy and quiet, but warms up with the help of her companion, Jackson.
Tilly likes to walk silently next to our volunteers in her habitat and is always happy to see our team members.
Wiley - 401 Girl
DOB: November 1, 2022
Content: 57% Grey Wolf
The famous “401 girls", otherwise known as the Rhode Island black coyotes, were wrongly labeled coyotes by DNR but it was quickly learned that they are adolescent wolfdogs. These girls were abused and neglected in an illegal state for wolfdogs, but they were met with love by Warwick Animal Control, the Warwick Animal Shelter, the Mayor, and the residents of Rhode Island, all of whom contributed to their safe capture, care and transport to The Red. Originally housed together, like true sisters, they started bickering and had to be separated for safety.
Wiley 22
DOB: February 1, 2024
Content: 27.2 % Gray wolf
22 is a darling little pup who came from a terrible confiscation case. Originally named Wiley by the Investigators on the scene for the resemblance to a coyote, this sweet animal has been renamed 22 (‘two two’) after Pack 22 at Mattersville. When we were originally contacted to rescue the Texas wolfdogs, we declined because we were full. But when Bosco passed, and Bree started to decline, it was decided we would pair 22 Wiley with Bree. 22 is timid, but comes in for nose touches and treats, and loves the pool. We are so happy to have provided Bree with a pen mate and 22 with a new and fun home.
Willow - 401 Girl
DOB: November 1, 2022
Content: 44.5% Grey Wolf
The famous “401 girls", otherwise known as the Rhode Island black coyotes, were wrongly labeled coyotes by DNR but it was quickly learned that they are adolescent wolfdogs. These girls were abused and neglected in an illegal state for wolfdogs, but they were met with love by Warwick Animal Control, the Warwick Animal Shelter, the Mayor, and the residents of Rhode Island, all of whom contributed to their safe capture, care and transport to The Red. Originally housed together, like true sisters, they started bickering and had to be separated for safety.
Wisteria
DOB: March 1, 2024
Content: 74.8 % Gray wolf
Wisteria came to The Red along with her pen mate Skye. Wisteria is the bolder of the 2 sisters. Wisteria is food motivated and will take treats though the fence and from a close range in her enclosure. Once at The Red, she was offered, what we believe was, her first toy ever. She was untrusting of it at first and it took time for her to approach it but then she carried it around and de-fluffed it, exactly as a puppy should. She is very smart realizes people equal good things. The settling in and decompressing time took longer for Wisteria and her sister due to the neglect they experienced while so young. She has been paired with Dante and he is bringing her playful side out.
Wisteria’s name was given to her by her intake sponsor, Eryn Sionnach.
Zephyr
DOB: February 1, 2024
Content: 60.8% Gray Wolf
Zephyr was Zoe’s cage mate on the fur farm and now is her pen mate at the Red. These two are bonded. This big boy looks to be just a puppy, with awkward puppy legs, but these animals have been stunted due to the small cages they lived in 24/7, so it is hard to tell. Zephyr walks like a Tennessee Walker, lifting his legs high with each step as if he is still in a wire bottom cage. Zephyr’s name means ‘gentle breeze’ symbolic of the tiny, frightened kiss he gave Zoe as rescuers worked to take the hog rings off their cage on the fur farm.
Today he and Zoe are running and playing in a large enclosure and approach people for sniffs and treats. Zephyr is an opportunist though, watch your butt!
Zoe
DOB: February February 1, 2023
Content: 61.5% Gray Wolf
Another one of our fur farm rescues, she is also a very tiny girl. Zoe’s name means ‘Life’ and she is very much the boss of her pen mate, Zephyr. Zoe surprises us with her willingness to approach and sniff her caretakers. She is a glove stealer though so be prepared!
Zoe immediately took to her beautiful, huge doghouse, stuffed with straw, and peeks out in the morning to see if breakfast is coming. She and Zephyr are starting to play and learning to run! Zoe will now rub against the fencing to ask for scritches. Progress!
In Memorium
Our hearts may be broken, but we remember the joys and the good times, too. We hold onto those memories because they were real.
Apollo
2021 - September 19, 2024
Apollo came to us in the Spring of 2023 at two years old from a situation of extreme neglect. He was shy but curious and very food motivated. He loved his pen mates, Sage and Aspen. Apollo had been making small steps of progress, building trust with the caretakers. A playful image of him chasing a butterfly or tossing his stuffie high into the air and catching it, over and over again, are testimonies to his childlike spirit! He was magnificent!
Photo by Desirae Pence
Bosco
Jan 2017- May 2, 2024
For those of us in the rescue world, we know that no loss is easy, but the unexpected ones seem to hurt the most. 💔
Our sweet, playful and bat eared, baby boy Bosco crossed the rainbow bridge on May 2, 2024. The sudden loss aches the deepest parts of our souls and breaks our loving hearts.
We will remember him this way! Happy, clunky, scent rolling, fella in love with his Bree, with the best ears of any dog we’ve ever seen. We find solace in knowing that Bosco was unconditionally and endlessly loved, and he forever will be. ❤️
Photo by Douglas Glidden
(Rougarou) Charley
January 8, 2022 - February 13, 2026
Content: 63.5% Gray Wolf
Rougarou Charley the little Cajun pup came from the swamps of Louisiana. Her former owner was abusive and didn’t want her anymore. She was caught and saved by concerned citizens who saw this little girl running loose. Charley was rescued and eventually got into the capable hands of Tia Torres of the Animal Planet show “Pitbulls and Parolees.” What most don’t know is that Tia started out rescuing wolfdogs back in the nineties. Tia personally delivered Charley to The Red and visited with our select staff and supporters. Charley loved her partner Bear. She loved sitting on the roof of her house and her toys, and had a beautiful haunting howl. She is missed by all.
Photo by Douglas Glidden
Porsche, who belonged to staff member Braden Matt, passed away in early September 2024. She was a beloved member of the The Red family. She loved coming to The Red with Braden on work days and hanging out in the guest enclosure, or at the house. Our guests always loved seeing Porsche when she was present at one of our events. She was an absolute sweetheart, who was beloved by all. She will be sorely missed.
Porsche
Porsche, who belonged to staff member Braden Matt, passed away in early September 2024. She was a beloved member of the The Red family. She loved coming to The Red with Braden on work days and hanging out in the guest enclosure, or at the house. Our guests always loved seeing Porsche when she was present at one of our events. She was an absolute sweetheart, who was beloved by all. She will be sorely missed.
Sassy
March 1, 2017 - March 8, 2026
Content: 29.2% Gray Wolf
Sassy was a sweet girl that had a rough start. She came to The Red with her brother (same litter) Solaris. We found Sassy had an aggressive cancer, and humanely helped her cross the rainbow bridge. Run free sweet girl!
Photo by Douglas Glidden
